Seventh grade Elizabeth Nisly correctly spelled "incendiary" and "malleable" after sixth grade Jason Bracy incorrectly switched the "e" and "I" on "variegated." Elizabeth's correct spellings earned her the Bluffton Middle School spelling bee crown of 2010.

She will represent Bluffton in the county spelling bee in February. Jason will be her alternate. Katie Scott, seventh grader, was third.

The bee, held Dec. 8, went 10 rounds before the final two competitors each spelled seven words correctly; then came "variegated."

This year's contestants:
Sixth grade
Douglas Nester
Conner Dawson
Jason Bracy
Trevor Bunch
Sam Edwards

Seventh grade
Cassidy Bush
Katie Scott
Elizabeth Nisly
Lauren Bish
Maggie Tucker

Eighth grade
Olivia Sneary
John Oakley
Alex Hord
Josh Garmatter
Emma Woodruff

Ruth Naylor was the pronouncer. Judges were Susie Gratz and Nancy Armour.